Widnes FC advanced into the quarter-finals of the Liverpool Senior Cup with a comfortable 3-0 victory over North West Counties Football League First Division rivals Ashton Town at the Select Security Stadium on Monday night.

Widnes broke the deadlock on the 13-minute mark as Alex Davies picked out debutant defender Calum Finch in the area, who powerfully directed a header beyond Joe Clements to give the hosts the lead. It was 2-0 shortly before the hour-mark as Paul Carney’s cross into the area was headed into the back of the net by Tony Wynne, netting his first goal for Widnes in the process.

Ashton’s David Worsley was sent off on the hour-mark, which seemed to take the game away from the visitors as the hosts were comfortable from that point onwards. Luke Edwards completed the scoring for Widnes inside second half stoppage time, as he calmly tucked away his second goal in two games.

Widnes manager Steve Hill made three changes to the side that lost 4-3 at Chadderton. Jamil Campbell-Joseph made his first appearance since the win at Barnton, as he came in for Ronnie McCarthy, who was sent off at Andrew Street. Hill also made two changes to his back four as Michael Chojnicki and Jordan Stanley were replaced by Jamie Casson and Calum Finch; both of whom were making their first starts for the club.

Widnes came into the game with added incentive, as Ashton beat the Whites 3-2 on the opening day of the season.

Both sides started the game well. Jamil Campbell-Joseph linked up well with Alex Davies as the latter produced a cross into the area that was headed over by Luke Edwards from inside the 6-yard area, albeit under pressure. Ashton then threatened themselves as leading First Division goalscorer Daniel Griffiths dragged a shot across the face of goal and wide.

Widnes took the lead shortly thereafter. A period of prolonged pressure culminated in a goal as Alex Davies patiently waited for space to open up for a cross on the far side that was powerfully headed into the back of the net by debuting defender Calum Finch, who used his 6’4” frame to his advantage as he left Town keeper Joe Clements with no chance.

It was very nearly 2-0 4 minutes later. Danny Lomax superbly picked out Luke Edwards with a 40-yard pass, enabling the Widnes winger to engineer space for a cross that was met in the area by Tony Wynne, who saw his glancing header drift inches past the post.

Ashton left-back David Worsley was then booked for a moment of madness. The Town defender opted to punch the ball out for a throw-in, deciding against a more orthodox header. Referee Daniel Issawi booked Worsley, leaving the full-back on a tight rope for the remainder of the game.

Both sides then threatened either side of the half-hour mark. Widnes’ Campbell-Joseph turned inside away from Charlie Munro before firing an effort over the bar. Town then looked dangerous going forward as an uncharacteristic mistake from Lomax allowed the visitors to break. However, a good recovery from the Widnes man saw the move break down.

As the halftime break approached, the game stepped up a gear, becoming end-to-end. Luke Edwards picked up the ball on the edge of his own penalty area following an Ashton corner before powerfully bursting forward for Widnes, easily gliding past 3 Town defenders along the way before blazing a shot over from 25 yards out.

Ashton then saw their best chance of the half go begging. Leading goalscorer Griffiths showed his quality as he got in behind the Widnes defence before going wide of the on-rushing keeper Ben Morrow and cutting his shot against the side-netting.

Halftime: Widnes 1-0 Ashton Town

It was confident and solid first half from Widnes, who looked comfortable in possession and threatening going forward. The Whites’ defence had done well to contain the one of the league’s more potent attacks throughout the opening 45 minutes.

The visitors threatened inside the opening minute of the second half. Griffiths again looked dangerous as he picked up the ball in midfield before advancing forward and sending a swerving shot that just dipped over the crossbar.

Griffiths’ game abruptly ended minutes later. Ashton’s forward pushed forward with the ball before being caught by an extremely hard challenge from Widnes skipper Tom Mitchell, who was adjudged to have won the ball cleanly. However, Town’s top goalscorer was unable to continue after he was caught high by Mitchell on the follow-through. Michael Santangeli came on for John Brownrigg’s side.

Widnes doubled their lead shortly before the hour-mark. Paul Carney’s delicious ball in towards the penalty spot was headed against the far post by Tony Wynne, with the ball trickling along the goalline before eventually finding its way in off the foot of the near post. Wynne’s goal was his first in a Widnes shirt since arriving from Barnton last month.

It went from bad to worse for Ashton on the hour-mark. Defender David Worsley, who was booked in the first half for a deliberate handball, went flying through the back of Widnes goalscorer Wynne as he attempted to play the ball. Referee Issawi didn’t hesitate, as he promptly showed Worsley the red card. However, Worsley may have been slightly unfortunate to receiving his marching orders.

From this point onwards, Widnes were firmly in control. The visitors lost their discipline as a handful of Ashton players were shown the yellow card for dissent. Town never really looked like pulling a goal back to set up a nervy finish for Widnes.

Despite Neil Weaver’s best efforts, Widnes held firm as the Ashton forward tried on three occasions to pull a goal back. Twice his efforts were comfortably saved by Morrow, with the other whistling past the post.

Widnes put victory beyond all doubt inside stoppage time at the end of the second half. Tony Wynne continued to pursue a lost cause as he managed to get to a loose ball ahead of Town keeper Joe Clements, before laying the ball off to Luke Edwards, who confidently stroked the ball home into the back of the net, scoring for the second consecutive game.

Fulltime: Widnes 3-0 Ashton Town

Widnes safely secured their passage into the quarter-finals with a comfortable victory over an Ashton Town side who are sitting pretty in a First Division playoff spot at this early point in the season.

Widnes are the first side to confirm their place in the last 8, alongside Premier League outfit Everton and National League sides Southport and Tranmere Rovers, who all received a bye into the quarter-finals. Widnes reached this stage of the competition last season, before falling to eventual winners Skelmersdale United.

Next up for Widnes is a home game against Stockport Town on National Non League Day. The club is offering a £2 admission fee to season ticket holders at Premier League and Championship clubs, provided that they show their season ticket upon entry into the stadium. Stronghold members and season ticket holders at Widnes Vikings are also included in the offer.

Widnes: Morrow (GK), Casson (Burthem 83), Carney, Finch, Mitchell (C), Zarrelli (McGrogan 64), Davies, Lomax, Wynne, Campbell-Joseph, Edwards.

Subs not used: Stanley, Norris, Hartley (GK)

Ashton Town: Clements (GK), Bromilow (Hustion 63), Worsley, Dailey (C), Wynne (Hammid 67), Munro, Lacey, Wilkie, Cusani, Weaver, Griffiths (Santangeli 51).

Subs not used: Coid, Prescott.